Environmental, Landscape
& Urban Design Consultants

The Blog / Planning

Five years after the original application and subsequent negotiations with LB Richmond DA is pleased to note the final approval on appeal of an unusual 2 unit residential scheme. The design on redundant rear garage land includes basement living and garden space to address the key neighbourhood overlooking issues.

After a lengthy funding process and achieving full planning approval, the new CB Hounslow FC sports centre opened earlier this year. DA working with WS Planning provided the masterplan that includes a new ground and junior playing fields around a central clubhouse with associated parking. The enhanced public footpath network now extends around the local wetland green space, riding and national gym centres. Project supporters included the Football Foundation, Mayor of London and the DCMS.

On behalf of Central Corporation Securities, DA has supported the application for 130 dwellings on land severed by a transport corridor at Theale. The positive reuse of fragmented agricultural land for limited development has been encouraged by the NPPF. The landscape strategy includes a significant ecological wetland zone linking with the nearby Pang Valley together with other connections to local green space and village amenities. DA was recently part of the same successful design team working with BM Architects to win approval for a 325 unit lakeside development for this client.

A long-established equestrian facility is to be relocated and upgraded at the edge of a village Conservation Area. The existing arrangement includes uneconomic listed barn buildings that are to be converted for residential use enabling the provision of a modern purpose-built centre on a local site. The latter has been carefully designed to minimise landscape impact on the setting of the adjacent country park.

DA provided the detailed landscape planning report submissions for both sites including a suitable landscape strategy that addresses the key land management policy issues.

Pulleyn Transport is an established global transport company operating from its Reading headquarters. An application for new warehousing, offices and parking with entrance improvements has been made to Wokingham BC co-ordinated by Woolf Bond Planning. The illustration by The Harris Partnership Architects shows how the realigned entrance will be enclosed by retained mature trees with skilful ground modelling around the proposed parking. DA provided the tree and landscape planning reports. Subject to full planning approval construction is programmed for completion 2018.

Infrastructure Services – A31 Alton

As the government places more emphasis on infrastructure, developments such as motorists’ services will come under the planning spotlight. Achieving the correct balance between commercial viability and acceptable siting, design and external appearance is critical in planning success. Working for Lamron (Holybourne) Ltd, DA advised the design team on the proposed A31 motorists’ services on landscape impact and design through public consultation to full planning submission. The illustration by Fibonacci architects shows a terraced layout set within a reinforced landscape envelope.

DA is also involved in infrastructure projects near Gatwick and Heathrow airports.

Innovative Veterinary Centre – Surrey Research Park

The recently opened Fitzpatrick Referrals Oncology and Soft Tissue Centre represents the latest phase of Faraday Court at Surrey Research Park. DA advised the University of Surrey on the boundary ancient woodland and site tree protection together with detailed landscape planning matters. The next phase of development is pending a suitable tenant agreement.

Lingfield Surrey

Achieving sustained planning success by making special cases in sensitive locations is a feature of the DA project portfolio. The illustration by OSP architects depicts courtyard replacement development for an outmoded light industrial site. The proposal was located within the setting of a Grade 2 listed property.
Outline planning approval was granted in July 2015. Working with Tim North Associates Planning, DA advised on tree protection and landscape strategy. A landscape management plan was also provided to integrate the proposal that included new village playing fields.

Work continues in the Green Belt, South Downs National Park, conservation areas and other constrained areas of the southern UK

With the government’s ‘right to buy’ initiative and the latest NPPF planning policy, the need for potential development land to be effectively promoted is essential to win planning support. DA is actively involved on a number of masterplanning sites with public meetings and exhibitions used to engage with the local community. The feedback on environmental issues then informs the most appropriate design.

Current outline planning projects extend from Essex to Gloucestershire including the 120 unit Farnham residential proposal with HR Architects illustrated. DA was part of the successful design team to gain approval for the 74ha site that included 64 new units at Oxlease Farm, near Romsey. This project includes the SSSI former Barge Canal and securing environmental enhancement in the Test Valley.

As British retailing adapts to new markets DA has been instructed on refurbishment programmes in Carlisle and London. Working with St Modwen project management at Edmonton shopping centre and The Co-operative at St Nicholas Retail Park, Carlisle the practice has provided landscape refurbishment strategies to enhance the public realm. Other regional projects extend across the south from Dorset to Kent.